Let’s face it – we want pesticides strong enough to kill pests and rodents but safe enough for our plants, animals, and especially our health. Is it possible to be that picky about your pest control? Well, thanks to modern technological advancements in integrated pest management, we’re able to offer you solutions you can count on for both effectiveness and safety.

And here’s some fantastic news: Our EPA-approved synthetic pesticides and organic alternatives are not only effective for ridding even the worst of infestations, but you can rest easy knowing that your family and your pets remain safe – unlike any pests invading your home.

This means that even inorganic pesticides work great for those with health concerns and hesitations when hiring local integrated pest management services. 

However, you might be concerned about the long-term effects of EPA-approved chemical pesticides due to bioaccumulation from as small as local lawn care (i.e. weed killers) all the way to the agricultural industry.

We’re here to offer you options, while at the same time bearing truth to the real difference between organic and synthetic pesticides – which isn’t what you’re likely to expect.

Is Organic Pest Control Safe for Gardens?

Although organic pesticides have come a long way in environmental safety and low residual harm, they aren’t entirely safe enough to use on edible gardens at this time. While they are less toxic than synthetic pesticides, they are still designed to kill insects and shouldn’t be ingested.

Is It Safe Inside?

Organic pest solutions have an organic base with repellent properties that, when applied appropriately, will only affect insects without any risk for humans, animals, and plants. Unfortunately, organic solutions aren’t as effective and won’t last nearly as long as their synthetic counterparts. However, science has come a long way in the pest control industry, making chemical-based pesticides just as safe.

What Are Some Common Organic Pest Control Methods?

Despite the lack of a garden-friendly pesticide, there are alternative pest control methods that’ll keep your garden edible and healthy, some of which you can purchase at the likes of your local Home Depot.

Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are tiny little roundworms that are commonly found in soil around the world. The secret weapon is inside the nematode’s gut: bacteria that kills insects within 48 hours. These nematodes enter a pest and release their bacteria inside the pest’s body, causing blood poisoning, ultimately leading to death.

As frightening as beneficial nematodes might sound, they unquestionably pose no risk to your family or animals.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is another standard organic pesticide solution used by plenty of gardeners that you could either purchase commercially or make yourself. Neem oil comes from pressing neem tree seeds, creating a potent oil containing azadirachtin that disrupts insects’ lifecycle without harming humans, animals, and good insects like bees, butterflies, and earthworms.

All you need to do is spray your plants in the morning or evening (when the sun is low and beneficial insects are dormant), and you can do this no matter what season it is.

Spinosad

Especially effective for caterpillars and thrips, Spinosad is a garden-friendly insecticide derived from a bacterium called Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Having its beginnings as a fire ant bait, Spinosad does well to terminate pesky garden invaders such as a variety of caterpillars, beetles, and thrips.

Pyrethrins

Pyrethrins are naturally occurring insecticidal chemicals found in the Pyrethrum daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium), which are toxic to insects while non-toxic to humans. Its high toxicity also kills beneficial insects, so beware when using it alongside other garden treatments such as beneficial nematodes or on pollinated vegetables and plants.

Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a powder made of microscopic cylinders covered in spikes that penetrate garden pests while pulling out their body fluid. Although death isn’t immediate, you can see results as soon as within 24 hours, depending on the pest. 

OMRI-Certified Products

Products certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) include organic pesticide solutions the institute vets for compliance with organic standards for environmental safety. 

Always contact the manufacturer if you have questions about the safety or effectiveness of a product you intend to use around your property.

Organic Pest Control vs. Synthetic

The reality of organic pesticides is that they are nowhere near as effective or last as long as synthetic solutions. The good news is that our synthetic pesticides are EPA-approved and are entirely safe for your family, pets, and the overall environment when applied by our trained technicians. 

All “synthetic” means is that the same natural compounds used in our organic pesticides (such as peppermint oil) are enhanced in a lab and therefore become a higher-potency version that works quicker, is stronger, and lasts much longer.

The efficiency of our EPA-approved synthetic pesticides matters most when you’re facing a severe scorpion infestation, for instance. To ensure the safety of you and your family, as well as the sure eradication of the threat, we will always first and foremost recommend a synthetic solution that will no doubt thwart even the most serious infestations.

Eco-Friendly Natural Pest Control in Arizona

If you’re looking for integrated pest management, you’ve come to the best place in Arizona.

We at Insectek offer EPA-approved synthetic and organic pesticides as well as alternative pest control methods to suit your pest control needs while keeping your family and pets safe.

Our products include:

Are you facing a pest infestation, or are you looking to prevent one in the future? Contact us today, and we’ll develop the best pest control strategy fitting for your home, your family, and your budget.